World Adoption Day…Stories to Fill Your Heart!
Jaren's Adoption Story When we started our adoption journey we never expected it would take 4 years to complete or that we would have to switch country programs only to have a referral fall through. We didn't expect to adopt a baby and we certainly didn't expect to adopt a child with a disability. ...
The Difference between Believing and Action in Inclusion
Many of us support various causes because we believe in its mission and value it in this world. For some they believe in something simply because others believe in it, and it is easy to jump on the band wagon. Typically, if we believe in something we demonstrate that belief...
Welcome Alexis to Playhouse Family!
Hello everyone! I want to begin by introducing myself. My name is Alexis Cleland, and I am excited to start my role as the Youth Board Facilitator. I heard about GiGi’s through many different outlets. After looking into what the organization is about and its alignment with my passions, I...
Let’s Talk Sensory Play!
The Pyramid of Learning (seen to the left) begins the conversation of how foundational sensory systems are for all other learning and development. How can we tap into these sensory systems? We can do that through Sensory Play. Sensory play can be any activity that stimulates the senses. It is...
Forward is an Amazing Way to Go…We are Expanding!
Two and a half years ago we opened our Playhouse doors, and operated 100% by volunteers for the first year. As we grew we welcomed new families, expanded our volunteer database and programming options and was able to hire our first staff, Erica! Things have not slowed down and today...
Thanking Corbyn Everyday!
My husband and I quickly learned 8 hours after I gave birth to my son, Corbyn, that doctors and nurses had suspected a chromosome abnormality, Down syndrome to be exact. It was a draining week-long waiting process of depression, anger, and denial until we received the final confirmed chromosome test. ...
Have your Organization be a Catalyst for Change
We are EXCITED to host our 3rd Annual 5K GLOW Fun Run/Walk on June 10, 2023 at the Aspirus YMCA! GiGi’s Playhouse is UNITING across race, gender, abilities, beliefs, and more because every person deserves to be ACCEPTED as they are. Our incredible family and friends living with Down syndrome...
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs when a person has an extra partial or full chromosome 21. There are three types of down syndrome including Trisomy 21 (Nondisjuction), Mosaicism Down syndrome, and Translocation Down syndrome. These terms refer to the different errors in cell division that result in...
GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau Year in Review…What an Amazing Year!
2022 was a year of growth, achievements, and lots of hard work by volunteers, participants, and staff! So much happened, many being firsts but defintely not lasts. Among all the fun events, family parties at the Playhouse or in the community we cannot forget all the achievements made by participants...
Holiday Gift Giving with a Purpose!
Don’t forget that offering experiences can a great gift that lasts throughout the year. A pass to swim at a local indoor pool during winter, a pass to the childrens museum; try skating at Greenheck Field House (they have red gliders for those who don’t skate to push on the...
Destination Discovery Programming November Highlight
Missed out on Destination Discovery programming this month? No problem! Here is a sneak peek of one of the turkey themed activities that participants did this month! Feel free to try this activity at home. Better yet - send GiGi’s Wausau pictures of your family doing this fun activity together!...
Development, Inspiration, Growth, and Awards at National Conference
2022 GiGi’s National Leadership Conference Every November, GiGi’s dedicates almost a week of training and development for our national network of Playhouses through the National Leadership Conference. This year, close to 60 Playhouse locations including many startups joined together for networking and learning opportunities related to our mission. Although...